SAIMUN Mock Debate: A Day of Diplomacy and Growth at Rose of Sharon Academy!

Our aspiring diplomats made a powerful statement today at the SAIMUN (Sub Saharan International Model United Nations) mock debate held at the Rose of Sharon Academy!

Dressed impeccably in sharp business attire, the 13 enthusiastic students from our school arrived brimming with anticipation for a day of engaging discussions and diplomatic maneuvering. Their smart appearance truly reflected the seriousness and excitement they felt about participating in this prestigious event.

We arrived at the Rose of Sharon Academy at 8:30 a.m. and were greeted warmly by Madam Njeri, one of the dedicated SAIMUN organizers. Our students immediately captured the spirit of the day with a group photo at the entrance, a memento of the learning and growth that awaited them. Madam Njeri efficiently guided our students to their respective committee rooms, ready for the debates to commence.

Our delegation was spread across three rooms, each a hub of thoughtful deliberation:

● Room 1: Kyla, Neria, Jiya, Jerry, Yassin, Charis, and Calvin

● Room 3: Abigail, Stacy, and Zuri

● Room 9: Mandisa, Victoria, and Gabriella

The central theme for all committees was a compelling and timely one: "Vaccinations should be mandatory for Africans and Asians citizens traveling to the European and North and South America Countries." This thought-provoking topic sparked lively debate and encouraged our students to consider complex issues from various perspectives.

It was fascinating to observe our students, now acting as delegates representing different nations, delve into the nuances of this motion. They presented well-researched arguments, showcasing their growing confidence and understanding of global issues. As evidenced in some of their insightful notes, our students grappled with the ethical, social, and practical implications of the proposed policy. One key point that resonated throughout the discussions was the importance of recognizing the role of vaccines while advocating for fairness and vehemently opposing any form of discrimination.

The day was structured with a morning session that commenced at 9:00 a.m., followed by a well-deserved break from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., and a final engaging session from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. While our delegates were passionately debating, the advisors also had a productive and engaging meeting, sharing insights and strategies.

During the event, SAIMUN shared some exciting news and opportunities. We learned about their partnership with Kenya Airways (KQ), which offers fantastic discounts to students who join the KQ student club, extending these benefits to an accompanying adult as well. Additionally, KQ provides group discounts for schools traveling, and their loyalty program, Asante, allows travelers to earn points with every flight.

As the debate sessions concluded at 1:00 p.m., our students had a valuable opportunity to connect and interact with their peers from other participating schools, fostering networking and building social skills. Following the enriching day, we treated the students to a well-deserved lunch at a fast-food restaurant before heading back to school, arriving at 3:00 p.m. for parent pickups.

The mock debate served as an invaluable experience, further honing our students' research, presentation, and social skills. Their growth as delegates has been remarkable, and their confidence in tackling complex global issues is truly inspiring. We are incredibly proud of their dedication and performance and eagerly anticipate the main SAIMUN conference this August at the United Nations offices. We wish them the very best as they continue on this journey of diplomacy and global citizenship!

Report written by Ms Stephanie Malika